Problems with Caralluma Fimbriata research

Caralluma Fimbriata (CF) is one of the most problematic supplements used in weight loss and probiotic supplements today. Although it is among the most common additions to weight loss-focused probiotics - it is the most common ingredient in Bio X4 - there is little clinical evidence backing it up.

Studies routinely cited in favor of CF have serious limitations. The study most commonly cited in favor of CF is this: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17097761.

As noted on VAGA (https://www.vaga.org/health/nucific-bio-x4-review/), although the researchers concluded that CF was a good weight loss aid, they also noted that results were less than inspiring. In their words: "While there was a trend towards a greater decrease in body weight, body mass index, hip circumference, body fat and energy intake between assessment time points in the experimental group, these were not significantly different between experimental and placebo groups."

In other words, the difference between the two groups was not significant enough to declare CF effective.

A further problem is the fact that the researchers failed to properly control for diet and exercise between experimental and control groups. A difference in activity levels or dietary discipline could more than account for the slight difference between groups.